Paul Kariya
Paul Kariya was picked by the Anaheim Ducks, 4th overall in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. His best season statistically so far was 1995-96, scoring 50 goals and 58 assists for 108 points. When Anaheim traded for Teemu Selanne with the Winnipeg Jets, Kariya was placed on a line with Selänne, and Steve Rucchin. The combinition of Paul and Teemu became a one of the most successful duos of all time, notching several points and putting the Ducks on the map as a reputable hockey team.
In 2003, he and the Ducks reached their first Stanley Cup finals. Kariya was third on the team in playoff scoring (behind Adam Oates and Petr Sykora), scoring six goals and adding six assists. After that season, the Ducks failed to qualify the captain's $10 million contract, making him a free agent. Kariya took an $8.5 million paycut, ensuring himself unrestricted free agency at season's end when he and former Ducks teammate Teemu Selanne, signed with the Colorado Avalanche in July of 2003. Colorado did not sign either one, as Kariya's salary demands were once again out of range. His production on the Avalanche was also not so good.
Kariya ended up signing a two year contract with the Nashville Predators on August 5, 2005, as an unrestricted free agent. In the 2005-2006 NHL Season, he ended up with 31 goals and 54 assists, accumulating his most points since the 1999-2000 campaign. Paul played in all 82 games that season, too.
Kariya currently holds a number of team records, including the Anaheim Mighty Ducks franchise record for assists in a season (62) and the Nashville Predators franchise records for goals, assists and points in a season.
Kariya is a speedy player that wowed crowds early in his career with his skill and his electrifying shots, able to score goals with quickness and creativity. That speed has slowed in recent years, however, and his potential that was displayed early on seems to have slowed slightly as well. Kariya continues to be able to score big goals and score often.
Kariya was recently signed by the St. Louis Blues during the 2007 free agency period.
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